Inhibition of bacterial biofilms by the snake venom proteome.

Snake venoms possess a range of pharmacological and toxicological activities. Here we evaluated the antibacterial and anti-biofilm activity against methicillin-susceptible and methicillin-resistant (MSSA and MRSA) of venoms from the Samar spitting cobra and the Puff adder Both venoms prevented biofilm production by pathogenic in a growth-independent manner, with the venom being most potent. Fractionation showed the active molecule to be heat-labile and >10 kDa in size. Proteomic profiles of venom revealed neurotoxins and cytotoxins, as well as an abundance of serine proteases and three-finger toxins, while serine proteases, metalloproteinases and C-lectin types were abundant in venom. These enzymes may have evolved to prevent bacteria colonising the snake venom gland. From a biomedical biotechnology perspective, they have valuable potential for anti-virulence therapy to fight antibiotic resistant microbes.